Development of a national Zoom-based lectureship for pediatric transplant hepatology trainees

Previous publications identified a gap in standard education on topics related to advanced hepatology and liver transplantation for pediatric transplant hepatology trainees. The Society of Pediatric Liver Transplantation (SPLIT) Education Committee designed a Zoom-based lectureship series for all advanced pediatric transplant hepatology trainees. We aim to describe the educational series and feedback from fellow participants.

Pediatric transplant hepatology trainees from across the United States and Canada were invited to attend 25 Zoom-based lectures on a broad list of topics pertaining to pediatric transplant hepatology. At the completion of the lectureship, a 53-item REDcap survey using single-answer, Likert-scale, and open-ended questions was distributed via email to all participants.

A total of 16 fellows from broad geographic areas responded to the survey. Nineteen percent (n = 3/16) of fellows attended all 25 lectures and 31% (n = 5/16) attended 16-20 lectures. Majority of fellows (88%, n = 14/16) reported the lecture series increased knowledge of liver disease, increased confidence in managing children with liver disease, and aided with board preparation. Additionally, over half of the fellows (81%, n = 13/16) reported the series served as a platform for networking and mentoring from peers and experts in the field. All fellows recommended the lecture series for future fellows.

The SPLIT educational lectureship for advanced pediatric transplant hepatology trainees provided a national education curriculum that not only led to increased knowledge and confidence in the diagnosis and management of common conditions encountered in pediatric transplant hepatology but also provided a unique networking and mentorship environment.